Rais wins suit against blogger

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim today won his defamation suit against blogger Amizudin Ahmat after the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the self-employed man was liable for defamation (here).

High Court judge Zabariah Mohd Yusof said assessment of damages would be decided Tuesday.

Rais filed a lawsuit against Amizudin on Jan 31, saying that the blogger, known Din Binjai had published or caused to be published adefamatory article under the heading “Hei Pak Menteri...mana mau lari...” (“Hey, Mr Minister...where do you want to run to) in his blog on Dec 28, last year.

Rais said the article with hisphotograph was prominently displayed athttp://sharpshooterblogger.blogspot.com/2010/12/hei-pak-menteri-mana-mau-lari.htmlcontaining false and malicious words of him.

In his suit, Rais claimed that the words meant that he was guilty of raping his Indonesian maid and capable of murdering her to conceal evidence over the alleged rape. Rais is seeking damages, interests, costs and any further relief deemed fit by the court (also read Dunia Tiger).

I remember that during the 'cyber attacks' by some bloggers against the minister, I defended him quite well as I didnt want to touch on the issue of dignity. In fact, I dont remember writing anything about Anwar's sodomy case, except for asking the court to conclude its proceedings as soon as possible.

Bloggers have to be careful with what they write. Although blogs are of personal domain, we have a set of law for it.

To Rais, congratulations. I have written some punchy things about his approach, the ministry's policies and the MCMC but I never want to tarnish his or other people's image as a person.

PS Datuk, lopeh ni siapo pulak?